Santa brings food and joy to displaced children in DR Congo
3 min read
For families living in a displaced persons camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this Christmas brought a rare moment of celebration as Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading joy and delivering hot meals to those in need.
The event took place at the Buhimba displaced persons camp, located near Goma in the North Kivu province. Santa, accompanied by a group of volunteers, arrived with the intention of lifting the spirits of the camp’s residents. They cooked hundreds of meals for the families, giving them a taste of festive cheer that had been missing from their lives.
The children, who have experienced the trauma of displacement due to ongoing conflict, gathered eagerly around Santa Claus, their faces lighting up with excitement. For many, it was the first time they had the chance to celebrate the holiday season in such a way.
“We wanted to have fun with the kids as it’s Christmas,” said Ali Abdallah, the volunteer who dressed up as Santa. “It’s important to celebrate with the kids and their moms, to bring them a moment of joy during this difficult time.”
The event was organized by the youth association “Leader Volontaire,” a local group dedicated to supporting displaced people during the festive season. The volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the meals and create an atmosphere of celebration in the camp.
Sifa Mugoli, a displaced grandmother of three, expressed her gratitude, noting that this was the first time anyone had come to the camp to celebrate with them. “Today I’ve just seen some young people come to give us a party, we’re very happy, God bless you all!” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
The DRC’s Kivu region has been severely affected by ongoing violence from armed groups, leading to the displacement of millions of people. More than 2.5 million people are currently living in displacement camps across the region, having fled their homes in search of safety and humanitarian assistance. Many of these displaced individuals are in dire need of food, shelter, and basic necessities, with the festive season serving as a painful reminder of their hardships.
For these families, celebrating Christmas has become almost impossible, given their precarious circumstances. Yet, the volunteers and organizers of the event hoped to bring a glimmer of happiness to these individuals who have been deprived of the usual joys of the holiday season.
Rather than focusing on giving material gifts like toys, the organizers placed an emphasis on providing a hot meal for the children and creating a joyful atmosphere. The simple act of sharing a meal and spending time together brought much-needed comfort to the displaced families, who have long struggled with uncertainty and loss.
According to the event’s organizers, bringing food to these children and offering a moment of shared joy was more important than traditional gifts. “A warm meal and a few hours of happiness mean so much more to these children than toys,” said one volunteer. “What matters most is that we show them they are not forgotten.”
The celebration, though modest, was a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and solidarity in times of crisis. It also highlighted the resilience of the displaced families, who despite their challenges, continue to hold onto hope.
In the midst of ongoing conflict, efforts like this help bring attention to the plight of displaced persons in the DRC and emphasize the need for continued humanitarian aid. The volunteers’ initiative, though small in scale, underscored the value of kindness and the importance of standing together to support vulnerable populations.
For those living in displacement camps, even a brief moment of celebration can make a profound impact. As the holiday season continues, it is clear that initiatives like this one can bring not just food, but also hope, joy, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, people care.
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